Trust account established for struggling family

A trust account has been arranged so that public donations may be made to the BlackPress4Good.com website set up for the Olmr family: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/buRve

If donors wish they can also donate directly to the trust account for the Olmr Family at Aldergrove Credit Union (Aldergrove Community Branch) #677788.

Aldergrove father Andrew Olmr is struggling physically and financially in dealing with his young daughter’s serious health issue.

It’s a round the clock responsibility as Isabella, now one year and three months old, has a rare condition that simply causes her to stop breathing.

It started a mere five hours after her birth, when doctors observed “episodes of apnea with severe oxygen desaturation and apparent seizure activity.” Doctors call it hypoventilation syndrome as she shows no respiratory drive but they have not been able to determine the cause.

As a result Isabella has spent the entire first year of her life in BC Children’s Hospital, where she had a tracheostomy placed in her neck just over a year ago to assist her with her breathing.

A ventilation system is connected, and sensors — a SAT monitor — set off alarms when there is a problem with her heart rate or oxygen levels. G-tube feeding was also used until Isabella started taking food from a spoon as approved by doctors at Children’s Hospital.

Her father, Andrew, has undertaken the responsibility of being her sole caretaker after separating from Isabella’s mother in January.

He also cares for their eight year old daughter, Rachel, in the home he’s owned in Aldergrove for the past nine years.

“Her mom wanted (Isabella) to go to a foster home but I refused,” says Andrew.

“I took the training; I took a crash course for three months at Children’s Hospital. There’s a lot to know.”

Andrew, 49, renovated his house as well as fought a custody battle over the children for most of the first half of this past year, while he prepared to provide care for Isabella in his home.

He also quit his job as a heavy equipment operator, after 25 years of working in the business, and is getting by for now on employment insurance.

“I’ve not been able to work since February. There’s no way to go to work every day if she’s in my care.”

The province funds up to two eight-hour shifts of nursing care daily in his home for the time being, but the uncertainties and financial stress are taking their toll.

If donors wish they can also donate directly to the trust account for the Olmr Family at Aldergrove Credit Union (Aldergrove Community Branch) #677788.

Aldergrove father Andrew Olmr is struggling physically and financially in dealing with his young daughter’s serious health issue.

It’s a round the clock responsibility as Isabella, now one year and three months old, has a rare condition that simply causes her to stop breathing.

It started a mere five hours after her birth, when doctors observed “episodes of apnea with severe oxygen desaturation and apparent seizure activity.” Doctors call it hypoventilation syndrome as she shows no respiratory drive but they have not been able to determine the cause.

As a result Isabella has spent the entire first year of her life in BC Children’s Hospital, where she had a tracheostomy placed in her neck just over a year ago to assist her with her breathing.

A ventilation system is connected, and sensors — a SAT monitor — set off alarms when there is a problem with her heart rate or oxygen levels. G-tube feeding was also used until Isabella started taking food from a spoon as approved by doctors at Children’s Hospital.

Her father, Andrew, has undertaken the responsibility of being her sole caretaker after separating from Isabella’s mother in January.

He also cares for their eight year old daughter, Rachel, in the home he’s owned in Aldergrove for the past nine years.

“Her mom wanted (Isabella) to go to a foster home but I refused,” says Andrew.

“I took the training; I took a crash course for three months at Children’s Hospital. There’s a lot to know.”

Andrew, 49, renovated his house as well as fought a custody battle over the children for most of the first half of this past year, while he prepared to provide care for Isabella in his home.

He also quit his job as a heavy equipment operator, after 25 years of working in the business, and is getting by for now on employment insurance.

“I’ve not been able to work since February. There’s no way to go to work every day if she’s in my care.”

The province funds up to two eight-hour shifts of nursing care daily in his home for the time being, but the uncertainties and financial stress are taking their toll.